"Sorry if I'm weird or something, but this looks like it's the first time I'm doing these things," Theo said, washing the dishes under Hermione's stare. "I mean, I would be able to remember if I ever did, right?"

Hermione made a non-committed sound, not wanting to say anything she may regret later. Sophie had offered to open the bookshop today, and mentioned it was a good day as any to teach Theo some household chores.

And that's why she was now at Sophie's place, teaching a pureblood wizard how to do the dishes the muggle way. She supposed she should have a more hand-ons approach with things, but Hermione didn't want to be around Theo for long, afraid she was going to spill something she shouldn't, so she was sitting at the kitchen table, trying not to hyperventilate.

Hermione's life couldn't get any stranger.

Theo continued washing the cups used for breakfast without saying anything. "Mia?"

"Yes, Theo?" Hermione asked, glaring at the table mat in front of her, as if it held all the answers of the universe and it was holding them back from her.

"Did I offend you in any way?" Theo asked in a small voice, making Hermione's head snap towards him.

"What? Why are you asking me this? What?" Hermione's mind was reeling. She knew she wasn't the easiest person to be around, but no one had ever said anything to her face.

Theo shrugged, "I don't know. You seem to avoid being around me, and you didn't look particularly happy to be here helping me."

Hermione sighed and rubbed her face, stifling her tired screams. How could she be such an idiot? Who cared if Theo didn't remember her? She had a chance to finally talk to him, and she was wasting her chance remaining silent.

"It has nothing to do with you, Theo. I'm just shy and don't like to be sprung into things, like when Sophie offered my help without talking to me first."

"Oh." Was all that Theo said, and Hermione's heart clenched, knowing she probably blew her chance. "I'm sorry, I thought it was something I have done, and I was ready to apologise."

Hermione shook her head, dismissing his need to apologise.

"Either way, I'm sorry if I offended you in any way," Theo said, finishing with the dishes. He turned and leaned on the sink, and his eyes zeroed in her face, making Hermione blush.

A noise on the door grabbed their attention and Hermione was glad for it; Theo's brown eyes were too much for her sometimes. Standing up to open the door, Hermione was surprised to find Doughnut outside, with a letter in her mouth.

"Hey, there, little missy. What are you doing?" Hermione knelt and took the letter from Doughnut's mouth before standing up.

"You have a pretty cat," Theo said from behind her, startling her. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

"Don't worry, I think I'm a little on the edge already." Hermione smiled tightly before walking towards the table.

Turning the letter in her hand, she was glad to discover Harry had sent a message back. She had asked for help on what to do with Theo, and she was glad he had replied so quickly.

Deciding to go back to her house to read in peace, Hermione turned and her heart melted at the scene in front of her: Theo had Doughnut in his arms, and he was holding her, gently rocking her from side to side.

"You have a pretty cat," Theo said, never taking his eyes off Doughnut.

"Thank you," Hermione mumbled. "Her name is Doughnut."

"I love her name." Theo looked up and smiled a boyish smile and Hermione realised that her crush hadn't gone away.

It had come back with full force.